Whitlock, 15, is interested in pursuing a career in the health care profession.

“It was really exciting to get the news. We all got called out of class,” Whitlock said.

In all, 23 West Aurora High School students have “earned a spot” in the scholarship program in the past three years when the scholarship program was expanded to include Aurora area schools.

“That's 23 students who might not have ever had a chance to go to school who will now be able to attend, graduate and begin their careers with no college loans to pay off at all,” West Aurora High School Principal Charles Hiscock said.

Hiscock said the awards are a result of hard work of students but also “the relentless advocacy” of Director of School Counselors Deb Quinn and College and Career Coordinator Sue Fowler, who have encouraged students to apply.

The Give Something Back Foundation provides mentors and scholarships to help Pell Grant-eligible, academically driven students go to college and graduate in four years debt-free.

Scholarship recipients are selected in the ninth grade to prepare them for college. They are required to have a minimum 3.0 grade point average in high school, take a college preparatory course load and demonstrate strong character, foundation officials said.

Quinn and Fowler were recently named School Partners of the Year by the Give Something Back Foundation.

Hiscock said the educators “jumped into action” when the foundation decided to create a partnership with NIU.

Hiscock said Quinn and Fowler have informed students of the scholarship opportunity and guided them through the rigorous application process and helped them prepare for a required interview.

Cousins Mendoza and Stout said they, too, were ecstatic to hear they were awarded full college scholarships and campus room and board.

“It's a lot to take in as a freshman. I was rather in shock,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said she's interested in pursuing studies in accounting. Stout said she's thinking about a career as a graphic artist.

“I was speechless,” Stout said of the news. “It makes me happy to think I am one of the first few people in my family to attend college.”

Quinn said they are elated that so many West Aurora High School students have been accepted into the program.

“We never dreamed that so many of our students would benefit from the scholarship program,” Quinn said. “It's as emotional for the parents knowing the financial security will be there and their children will be going to college.”

The first class of recipients will be high school seniors next school year so the educators said they look forward to watching their success in college.

“The organization really sets the students up for success,” Fowler said.